Russian Federation (44th Session)

Russian Federation

(44th Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report brings attention to the situation of freedom of religion and expression in the Russian Federation, with particular attention to persons belonging to religious minorities. It highlights the barriers related to the registration and operations of unregistered religious groups, as well as cases of police raids and property closures in this regard. It also expresses concern at the impact of anti-extremism laws on religious minority communities, including the censorship of religious publications, the banning of faith-based organizations, and the arrest of hundreds of individuals belonging to affected minority groups. Finally, the report draws attention to a growing trend of targeted threats and arrests of religious leaders for refusing to publicly voice their support for Russia’s military attack on Ukraine.

Bangladesh (44th Session)

Bangladesh

(44th Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report addresses the state of freedom of religion, of expression, and of association, as well as the situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh. In particular, it draws attention with considerable concern to laws criminalizing expression deemed to be outraging or wounding of religious feelings. It also makes note of the rising social hostility faced by Christians and other people belonging to religious minorities.

Uzbekistan (44th Session)

Uzbekistan

(44th Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report brings attention to the situation of freedom of religion and expression in Uzbekistan, with particular attention to persons belonging to religious minorities. Notably, it highlights the barriers related to the registration and operations of unregistered religious groups. It also expresses concern at laws criminalizing peaceful proselytism and the sharing of religious materials, as well as the other overbroad restrictions on the exercise of freedom of expression. Finally, it draws attention to cases of violence, abuse, and intimidation suffered by persons belonging to religious communities at the hands of state and non-state actors alike.

Five Cases to Know

Five Cases to Know: Fall 2022

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Prayer is vital for our work and uplifting for the many people we have the privilege of fighting for. Without it, we couldn’t hope to be successful.

Included are short stories and updates about people and cases we’re supporting. From Europe to Asia and beyond, freedom is on the line.

Did you know that a case at the Supreme Court of Nigeria could overturn a state’s Sharia-based blasphemy law? A victory here would be a huge win for Nigerians and their religious freedom.

Christian converts and religious minorities would finally be protected against the ever-present danger of a blasphemy allegation and the risk of the death sentence it brings.

You can read more by downloading our ‘5 Cases to Know’ resource today.

Thank you,
Robert Clarke

United Arab Emirates (43rd Session)

United Arab Emirates

(43rd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report outlines the situation of freedom of religion and freedom of expression in the
United Arab Emirates (hereinafter, the ‘UAE’). While noting positive developments in the area of religious freedom, ADF International remains concerned at the continued criminalization of blasphemy, proselytism, and other so-called ‘crimes violating religious creed and rites’, as well as at the country’s failure to recognize marriages between Muslims and non-Muslims, except when the woman is Christian or Jewish.

Israel (43rd Session)

Israel

(43rd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report examines the discriminatory impact of laws and policies relating to the registration of religious groups and the ownership of religious property and heritage sites. This report also outlines the rising trend of social hostility faced by Christians within the country.

Sri Lanka (42nd Session)

Sri Lanka

(42nd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report outlines the continued lack of respect for the rights to freedom of religion or belief and expression in Sri Lanka. In particular, it raises serious concerns over laws and policies discriminating against religious minorities, as well as the lack of legal protection for non-coercive forms of proselytism. Furthermore, it addresses the grave impact of increasing mob violence and hostility towards religious minorities, including Christian and Muslim communities, and related impunity.

Pakistan (42nd Session)

Pakistan

(42nd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report highlights the ongoing violations of freedom of religion and expression in Pakistan resulting, inter alia, from laws criminalizing blasphemy and defamation as well as from the increasing social hostility and mob violence directed against persons belonging to religious minorities. It also draws attention to a worrying trend in abductions with the purpose of forced conversion of women and children, often in connection with a forced marriage.

Pastor Keshab: Nepal

Pastor Keshab was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine after sharing gospel tracts and praying with fellow citizens in Nepal. He has appealed the ruling and is temporarily free on bail.

Indonesia (41st Session)

Indonesia

(41st Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects
fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

This report highlights the obstacles and dangers that religious minorities face in Indonesia due to both governmental restrictions and interreligious tensions. It also outlines the ways in which freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression are restricted and what the government is required to do to provide relief for those affected.